MARS HILL, Maine — One of the most respected athletic directors in Aroostook County is stepping down after eight years on the job.
Ryan Guerrette’s last day at Central Aroostook Junior-Senior High School is July 31. He also gave up the reins of the Panthers’ varsity softball coaching position — one he held for the last five years. He made his decision to resign due to family considerations. His wife, Jamie, has accepted a full-time job in Presque Isle, so Guerrette felt the need to “be more flexible and available” for his two school-age children.
“This has been a very hard decision for my family and I to make,” Guerrette said. “but being a coach and athletic director takes an incredible amount of time, energy and dedication and I believe it is time for new leadership to take over.”
Guerrette will continue in his role as operations manager of Bigrock Ski Area in Mars Hill.
Guerrette, a graduated of CAHS, had coached at least one sport at the high school for the past 16 years. He was the golf coach for nine years and the JV girls’ basketball coach for two seasons.
Bob White, who has been the secretary/treasurer of the Aroostook League for several years, said Guerrette’s absence will be felt.
“He did a tremendous job for the league and the athletic directors,” White said. “He always was one of the first to volunteer to serve on any committee the ADs needed formed and he was my ‘go-to guy’ for many questions, especially golf and skiing.
“His discussion on any issue was always well thought out and the solutions were always to the benefit of the league and the student-athletes.”
Steve Shaw, the athletic director at Easton Junior-Senior High School, also had great praise for Guerrette.
“He was a joy to work with,” Shaw said. “He was always willing to cooperate and would do everything in his power to make things go smoothly with scheduling and everything else. I’ll certainly miss him.”
